ONE of Britain's most famous rugby clubs is set to make a dramatic return 50 years since it went extinct.

ONE of Britain's most famous rugby clubs is set to make a dramatic return 50 years since it went extinct.

Two-times rugby league Challenge Cup winners Broughton Rangers are to be reintroduced to the area as part of a regeneration scheme shaping 'New Broughton'.

The Rangers, who were founder members of the Northern Rugby Union - forerunners of the modern day Rugby Football League - before they folded in 1955, will link up with Salford City Reds, Albion High School and local primary schools to provide coaching for both open age and junior teams.

The club have already held sessions at Salford University's pitches, where the team will play while 180 acres of land in Lower Broughton is redeveloped under a joint venture between Salford City Council, Countryside Properties and Contour Housing Group. Countryside Properties will eventually provide pitches for the teams to hold games and details of these facilities are expected to be finalised soon.

The project aims to bring 3,500 mixed-tenure homes and a full range of community facilities and services over the next six to eight years, with Broughton Rangers playing a large part in giving a sporting focus to the regeneration.

Les Brown, regional project director for Countryside Properties, said: "The reintroduction of Broughton Rangers to Lower Broughton is a momentous step forward for rugby league in the area.

"The Broughton Rangers were one of the first rugby league clubs and it's of great significance that they are back. Countryside Properties will work alongside Salford Reds to make it real and alive for the local community.

"Our aim is to develop a scheme so it's part of every day life and something that local people can be very proud of."

Mark Brocklehurst, Salford Reds community officer, said: "We are extremely pleased with the chance to work in this scheme and develop a new Broughton Rangers club.

"The Reds have made an application to the National Sports Foundation for a significant amount of funding which will enable us to ensure the long term sustainability of the project.

"The team itself will be making its first appearance in the prestigious York Nines competition on Saturday, July 14, against teams from across Europe."